Independent music (often shortened to indie music or indie) is music produced independently from major commercial record labels or their subsidiaries, a process that may include an autonomous, do-it-yourself approach to recording and publishing. The term indie is sometimes also used to describe a genre (such as indie rock and indie pop); as a genre term, "indie" may include music that is not independently produced, and most independent music artists do not fall into a single, defined musical style or genre, and usually create music that can be categorized into other genres.
Independent labels have a long history of promoting developments in popular music, stretching back to the post-war period in the United States, with labels such as Sun Records, King Records, and Stax.
In the United Kingdom during the 1950s and 1960s, the major record companies had so much power that independent labels struggled to become established. Several British producers and artists launched independent labels as outlets for their work and artists they liked, but the majority failed as commercial ventures and were swallowed up by the majors.[1]
In the United States, independent labels and distributors often banded together to form organizations to promote trade and parity within the industry.
Arctic Monkeys are an English rock band formed in 2002 in Sheffield. The band consists of Alex Turner, Matt Helders, and Nick O'Malley.
The Birthday Party (originally known as The Boys Next Door) were an Australian post-punk band, active from 1978 to 1983.
Montreal band, Blinker The Star were known for their heavy, ethereal, melancholic, brash and youthful style of alternative rock music
Blur are an English rock band, formed in London in 1988. The band helped establish the Britpop genre and achieved mass popularity in the UK.
Not all of our prints reflect just one single artist so here are our rare and unqiue prints that celebrate more than one subject
Of all the bands formed during the '70s punk revolution, The Fall, led by frontman Mark E. Smith were the most longer-lived & innovative
Johnny Borrell is an English guitarist and singer, currently the front-man of the band Razorlight & part of "The Dalston Set".
Johnny Cash was known for his deep, calm bass-baritone voice and a trademark look, which earned him the nickname "The Man in Black"
Johnny Marr is a renowned musician, songwriter and singer, best known as the guitarist and co-songwriter with The Smiths.
Kasabian are an English rock band formed in Leicester in 1997, named after Linda Kasabian, a member of the Charles Manson cult.
Liam Gallagher is best known as the charismatic, self-assured front man of Manchester Britpop band Oasis.
The Libertines are an English rock band, formed in London in 1997 by frontmen Carl Barât (vocals/guitar) and Pete Doherty (vocals/guitar).
Manchester is inextricably linked to its musical heritage. A city whose music is deeply rooted in its fabric
Mark E Smith was the distictive and uncompromising frontman of the British post-punk band The Fall, regarded by many as a cult icon
Morrissey is an English singer, songwriter & author, he rose to prominence as the lead singer of the indie rock band The Smiths.
Noel Gallagher is regarded as one of the UK’s most respected musicians and the mastermind behind Britpop super group Oasis.
Primal Scream were hugely influential in the 1990's following the release of Screamadelica, with their blend of indie pop and dance fusion.
Pulp are considered to be one of the most innovative and popular bands of the late 20th century and key figures of Britpop
Critics have called The Smiths the most important alternative rock band to emerge from the British independent music scene of the 1980s.
In the studio in Santa Monica, California in 1980, Bob Dylan is captured whilst leaning on his guitar case.
Shooting promotional films for the singles Rain & Paperback Writer at Chiswick Park Gardens in May 1966
This photo session was for No.1 Magazine (long since extinct) on a Eurythmics press day, they’d been doing interviews all day.
Angus Young, from AC/DC, captured in a small street outside a press meeting in Copenhagen in 1977
Squeeze are a British band formed in Depford, London in 1974 that came to prominence during the new wave period of the late 1970s.
Prince was a musical innovator known for his eclectic work, flamboyant stage presence, extravagant dress sense and unique vocal range.
Ian Dury was an English rock and roll singer-songwriter, bandleader, artist, and actor who first rose to fame during the late 1970s.
British musician PJ Harvey was a distinctive voice in the early-'90s alternative rock explosion.
Our contact sheet collection is a rare opportunity to look back at the hidden moments surrounding some of rocks most iconic images.
Check out our great range of authentic fine art photographic prints available for £250 or less.
We are all still reeling from the tragic loss of David Bowie. Here is a wonderful tribute from one of our photographers, Mark Mawston.
Jill Furmanovsky is one of the greatest ever rock & roll photographers with a huge archive of iconic shots of the world's best music artists
